Injury bug may infest Oregon’s spring game, forcing change in format

Oregon’s already thin depth on the offensive line this spring is being tested even further after an injury to left tackle Tyler Johnstone.

A sophomore returning starter, Johnstone had a rigid brace on his left leg and was walking with the use of a single crutch after practice Thursday. His injury occurred earlier in the week, and while it doesn’t have the appearance of something that will threaten his 2013 season, the Ducks can ill afford another injury on the offensive line this spring.

Already, Mana Greig (knee), Hamani Stevens (toe) and James Euscher (shoulder) were limited in April. Johnstone’s injury leaves the Ducks with six healthy scholarship linemen, plus a group of four walk-ons that includes recently converted tight end Brian Teague.

The presence of just 10 healthy linemen would leave the Ducks with just enough to field two starting fivesomes to face off in the spring game April 27. UO coach Mark Helfrich said Thursday the Ducks may have to consider altering the format for the game as a concession to injuries.

Helfrich did not specify that offensive line injuries alone might force his hand. The Ducks are also thin at inside linebacker, with injuries to Derrick Malone (shoulder), Rodney Hardrick (unknown) and, most recently, Tyson Coleman (lower leg).

Receiver Dwayne Stanford (knee), defensive lineman Ricky Havili-Heimuli (back), defensive lineman Jared Ebert (knee) and safety Avery Patterson (knee) also seem unlikely to be available for the spring game because of injury. Click here for the complete story.